Gift Guide 2017: Creatives, Podcasters, Vloggers, and Hipsters

November 29, 2017

1:30 pm

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Blame social media or the rise in affordable technology, this world is creating more content. Sure, your uncle may just be figuring out memes on Facebook, but your niece is racking up millions of views on YouTube and Instagram with her own how-to series. For these creatives, there, especially the aspiring ones, there are plenty of options to choose from, so we’ve compiled some of the more useful ones that are sure to be on their holiday wish list.

Light L16 is the first multi-aperture camera that marries the size of a mobile device with the quality of a fancy DSLR camera. Using a new wave of camera tech known as computational imaging, the L16 fires 10 of its 16 camera lenses simultaneously to capture several images from varying perspectives. Then, the L16 fuses those images together to create one high-resolution image. The L16 delivers the same high quality that bulky DSLRs provide at a fraction of the size, so people don’t need to lug around heavy camera equipment. While the L16 is meant for photos, the Light team is working to build out the device’s video capabilities.

It’s small, it’s portable, and it shoots 1080p HD video footage. This little thing packs in a lot of features, a decent flight time, and is controlled from your phone. While it may not give you a crazy range, you can always upgrade to the Mavic Pro and toss in some 4K. You can read our positive review here, but just don’t expect the Star Wars like features to be a big bonus.

Still prefer pen and paper to doodle and take notes? Quickly digitize them and even export your drawings into vector files with Wacom’s Bamboo Slate. All you need is the slate, included pen, and a smartphone or tablet. You can read our favorable review here.

Lightweight, fun and easy to use, the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 camera further proves that quality is key, helping you capture stunning photos and videos you’ll love to see and share. The 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 7 Image Processor deliver brilliantly sharp results, with Dual Pixel CMOS AF keeping your videos and photos in clear focus. The Vari-angle Touch Screen LCD helps capture shots at a variety of angles and situations. A Feature Assistant function is available to help guide you through a shot, and you can share your creations on the spot thanks to built-in Wi-Fi1, NFC2 and Bluetooth connectivity.

The Nikon D3400 features a NIKKOR lens designed for shooting in extremely low light without a problem. Freeze fast-action in its tracks, and create portraits with rich, natural skin tones and beautifully blurred backgrounds. It’s also easily connected to your smartphone or tablet, so you can easily share the images you’ve just taken.

The EOS 80D camera features an impressive 45-point all cross-type AF system1 that provides high-speed, highly precise AF in virtually any kind of light. To help ensure photographers don’t miss their shot, an Intelligent Viewfinder with approximately 100 percent coverage provides a clear view and comprehensive image data. Improvements like a powerful 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for Live View shooting enhance performance across the board. Complementing the EOS 80D’s advanced operation are built-in wireless connectivity and Full HD 60p movies that can be saved as MP4s for easy sharing.

The rugged TASCAM DR-100mkII offers high-end recording features to musicians and engineers who demand more from their portable recorder. It features four built-in microphones, two cardioid and two omnidirectional, a pair of XLR microphone inputs with phantom power welcomes pro-grade condenser microphones, and line in and out connectors. The markII version adds balanced line ins, S/PDIF digital inputs, locking connectors, and more.

Offering quality recording in a lightweight and compact design, the DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder from Tascam is one that is simple for everyone to use. Ideal for musicians, journalists, teachers, and just about anyone, the DR-05 records WAV or MP3 files at rates up to 24-bit/96 kHz to microSD or MicroSDHC cards for reliable, skip-free storage. It also boasts integrated microphones that capture stereo audio clearly. Connect external mics and sound sources easily and efficiently with the help of a 3.5mm stereo mic/line input. Additionally, the jack provides plug-in power for mics that require it. This is the particular recording devices I use for our gadget reviews and it works great, especially when your camera doesn’t have a line-in, which some reason a lot of DSLRs are doing now.

The compact XENYX 1202FX mixer premium-quality sound at an affordable price due to its 4 onboard XENYX Mic Preamps and ultra-musical British channel EQs. It also features 24-Bit, dual engine FX processor with 100 presets including reverb, chorus, flanger, delay, pitch shifter and various multi-effects – and the 1202FX becomes an incredibly versatile mixer for your live performances.

Mackie ProFXv2 mixers provide a comprehensive live sound solution with a wide range of models, each delivering unmatched sonic performance. Featuring all-new Mackie Vita preamps designed specifically for live sound and the powerful new ReadyFX effects engine, ProFX delivers a no-compromise toolkit including GEQ, USB recording/playback and flexible I/O for any professional application.

The Shure SM58 vocal microphone is designed for professional vocal use in live performance, sound reinforcement, and studio recording. Its vocal response for sound is a world standard for singing or speech. A highly effective, built-in spherical filter minimizes wind and breath pop noise. A unidirectional (cardioid) pickup pattern isolates the main sound source while minimizing unwanted background noise.

The Audio-Technica AT2020’s low-mass diaphragm is custom-engineered for extended frequency response and superior transient response. With rugged construction for durable performance, the microphone offers a wide dynamic range and handles high SPLs with ease.

Create high quality recordings directly with your computer using Blue Microphone’s Yeti USB Microphone. The Yeti uses Blue Microphone’s tri-capsule technology to produce studio-quality recordings. It features four different pattern settings so you can record vocals, instrumental music, podcasts, or interviews in ways that would normally require multiple microphones. It features simple controls for headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and microphone gain.

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Elliot is an award winning journalist deeply ingrained in the startup world and is often digging into emerging technology and data. When not writing, he's likely either running or training for a triathlon. You can contact him by email at elliot(@)elliotvolkman.com or follow him on Twitter @thejournalizer.